Overuse Injuries of the Elbow

Repetitive microtrauma in the elbow from chronic overuse occurs in athletes and nonathletes. Although the diagnosis is often made clinically, imaging is helpful to confirm the diagnosis, grade the injury, and guide treatment. MR imaging is particularly helpful in evaluating overuse injuries in the elbow, as tendons, ligaments, and bones/cartilage can be assessed. Tendinopathy can be distinguished from partial- or full-thickness tears, and reactive changes in the bone marrow can be easily identified. This article focuses on the MR imaging appearance of overuse injuries of the elbow involving tendons, ligaments, and bones.